Microsoft Teams for ESU

Microsoft Teams is now being rolled out to students of Emporia State to utilize! Teams is a speedy and productive communication tool for students, faculty, and staff to use! We have been going through all of the options that could be a valuable tool to incorporate within the class and office. We will be going through all of the basics of what you need to know, walkthroughs to follow along with, and screen recordings to make things a little easier. 

Downloading and Logging in

The first thing you would need to do is download Teams for your device, whether it be an application on your phone or your personal computer. To download Teams, you would paste “esutechsite.com/teams” in your URL bar at the top of your browser. Click “Get Teams”, you’ll then be taken to a Microsoft page that will detect the appropriate version for your device, then click “Download Now”. Run the installer or follow the prompts for your device.

Now that you have Teams, it’s time to log in. When prompted, enter yourusername@emporia.edu, even if you don’t have an @emporia.edu email account. Yes, use @emporia.edu, even if you don’t have an @emporia.edu email address. In Microsoft Land, it’s just part of your account. And remember you can’t use your @g.emporia.edu address--that's Google services only. And that’s it, you are not all set to begin using Microsoft Teams at ESU.

Creating a Group

Microsoft Teams is a tool for securely chatting, video calling, and collaborating with your group, team, or other students. You can chat with one, two, or as many ESU users as you’d like. But for ESU groups and student organizations, we can set up a special team that has your members preloaded for you. 

This is called a SharePoint Group for students. In addition to maintaining a list of group members, your SharePoint Group will also provide online file storage for hosting any files you share within Teams. To request a SharePoint Group, go to esutechsite.com/teams, and select "Teams for Students". Scroll down to Groups. Click “Request a SharePoint Group for Students”. Only advisors or organizational leadership should make requests.

Once your request is approved by the Center for Student Involvement, you’ll be able to access your new Group by clicking the “Teams” Icon from the left-hand menu bar within the Teams application. Once we’ve set up your Group, you can add or remove membership through the web portal or via the IT Help Desk!

Video Calling

You can do a video call with one, two, or as many ESU students as you’d like. Simply click the “New Chat” icon. Enter the name or username of the user or users you’d like to call.

You can video call an individual or add as many users to your group call as you’d like. With one click, you can start a video call with your entire group! And if you or your users don’t have a webcam, they can still join via audio. With Microsoft Teams, you have on click communication with individuals--however, you prefer to collaborate. 

Sharing Files

Sharing files is easy within Teams, start a new chat or go to an existing one. Or if you are an ESU group or organization, click "Teams" and then go to your group. Now, click the paper clip icon and select the file you’d like to share. Type a message if you’d like, then click the “send” icon. 

That’s it! Now that you have shared the file within anyone in that chat or Group.

To see your previously shared files, click "Files" at the top of the chat window. 

Chat + History

You can chat with any ESU user that you would like, simply click on the “New Chat” icon. Enter the name or username of the user or users you’d like to chat with.

You can chat individually, or add as many ESU users to your chat as you’d like. Now that you have added your users, it’s time to talk! Start typing, send them an emoji, send them a file--whatever you’d like.

And the best part, your chat history is retained from day one. You’ll never have to wonder if you shared that file or remembered to share a message--it’s all there to search or scroll through. We like to say it goes back to the beginning of time--at least the time you started using teams!

The Web Version

Teams is available for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android but it’s also available from your web browser, and here’s how you can get to it. Go to esutechsite.com/teams and click "Login". Enter your username in the form of username@emporia.edu. 

Yes, use @emporia.edu, even if you don’t have an @emporia.edu email address. In Microsoft Land, it’s just part of your account. And remember you can’t use your @g.emporia.edu address--that Google only. Once you’ve entered your username, enter your ESU password. 

And that’s it, the web-based version of Teams will load and you’re all set to begin chatting, calling, and collaborating!

As always if you have any questions regarding anything tech related

Website Updates

The Emporia State University website has come a long way since the launch of the new site in late October. We are constantly looking for improvements to implement based on usability information, analytics and feedback from our users.

One of the biggest issues with websites, and web content, nowadays is accessibility. We have been focused on updating our website to make it accessible to all users, no matter their device or browser. We are proud to say that our website is currently ranked #1, in terms of accessibility, in the state of Kansas by an external reviewer. We have updated all images to include alternative text, added metadata to each page so search engines can better optimize which pages display, icons displaying an error, and more.

Another hot topic would be the user experience, or feel, of our website. We have made nine site-wide updates to make navigation through our site as natural as possible. In addition to site-wide updates, we have completed over 800 feedback requests from our 77 departmental WebDACs. We work closely with our departmental WebDACs to ensure that each department's content is correct, updated, and fresh. We have recently created a new WebDAC Portal that allows for more feedback from our web team to WebDACs and allows for better tracking per request. Before the web team moved to work remotely due to COVID-19, we had been scheduling weekly meetings with various WebDACs to receive feedback and run through their pages together. We will soon start this back up again as time allows.

In addition to being highly involved with our WebDACs, we are also working towards expanding our involvement with faculty, staff, and students! Faculty and student focused meetings are taking place to receive more feedback on the website, not just from our internal web team and WebDACs. We want to have a website where all entities of the university are comfortable, and happy, using!

Check out a list of the site-wide updates that we’ve made, and updates that are on our radar for the future, on our Web + Digital Guide! You can also learn more about our WebDAC program, and find a list of WebDACs, on our WebDAC page.

Sam Derksen
Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

Printing Alternatives When Working or Learning Remotely

Students may be missing one common function that was always at the ready--printing.  Now that we are all working and learning remotely, there are a few things that can bring up moments of worry including 1) Not being able to submit the assignment in the preferred format, 2) not being able to collaborate or proof a hardcopy of a document or 3) the document vanishing from digital existence on your computer before you can print a backup copy. (that never happens!)

Here are a few tips that you can do as printing alternatives when you may not be able to have a physical copy. With ESU already providing Google services to students as well as Office 365 for all ESU students and employees to download, there are multiple options available.

The Universality of the PDF

Documents can be sent as PDF files--PDF standing for portable document format. So just as it says, the document can be on different platforms while staying the same for each user receiving the document. To save as a PDF in Google Docs, you would go to File>Download>Download as PDF.  In other applications, you can simply choose to print the document as you would to a physical printer, but instead of choosing your printer you should have an option for "Print to PDF" or something similar.  In MacOS, there is a "PDF" button on the print dialogue.

Google

PDF's are also very good when it comes to storing the documents, especially for archival purposes. ESU students can store your documents in Google Drive, which means you won't have to worry if your documents are safe and secure.  Google Drive is available from Windows, Mac, web browsers and mobile devices, giving you quick access wherever and whenever you need it.  The ability to share from Google Drive also means you don't have to print out and distribute copies of documents--the most current version is always available to you and those you are collaborating with.



Google has an online saving that makes your documents easy to keep track of. Google Drive saves your work as you continue to make progress on it, guaranteeing that your documents will be as up to speed as possible. Google also offers Offline Editing which allows you to work without wifi or internet access, this is very helpful for those who might not have home internet! This is also beneficial because it gives you access wherever you go by being able to login to your account wherever there is a computer or mobile device.

Office 365

Office 365 offers many of the same features provided by Google services, but also has the added value of desktop and mobile versions of software. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the other long-trusted suite for software integrates with your OneDrive personal storage (offered to all ESU students and employees), as well as employee's departmental SharePoint Drives.  With the current realities of working remotely, having a secure "cloud" environment to share, work, and collaborate has greatly improved the productivity and capabilities of our Office 365 users.

Do it LIVE!

We previously mentioned the sharing capabilities of Google, which is also true for Offie 365.  Along with that feature is the ability to edit a document right alongside your group members.  Using Google Docs or Microsoft Word you can each be making and discussing changes live--and seeing them as they happen.  There is no special setup--these are built-in features and they extend to spreadsheets, presentations and other document formats.  If you can create, proof and finalize a document live, there's no need to print it out and markup multiple versions!

Digital Ink

While these apps are great to use, you may choose a hardware solution that can make it seem like you're righting with a pen on paper, too.  Having an Apple Pencil with your iPad or Surface Pen with your Microsoft Surface makes taking notes and editing a document much easier--and completely natural if you're used to doing it on a printed copy. Using Microsoft Office's digital inking capabilities or any variety of mobile apps that support inking, allows you to write on the screen as if the document were actually in front of you as a printed piece of paper.

E-Fax

For ESU departments, E-Fax is a service that allows you to send and receive the document as if they were on an actual fax machine, but on your device. Users can fax from anywhere using your smart device or computer. This makes it a lot easier when sending documents that require printing (when you get back to the office) or are of a nature that require enhanced security.

These are just a few of the awesome applications that are available to use for your benefit! Hopefully, this gave you some knowledge that you can apply when learning or working remotely. Questions and concerns can be answered by contacting the IT Help Desk.
Stay Healthy Hornets!


Dakota Taylor
Social Media Student Assistant
Web & Digital Strategies

Tips for Online Courses

Online courses might be something new for a lot of students on Emporia State’s campus. With all of the changes going on and the questions of how or where you are taking them, ESU wanted to provide some tips and tricks for staying proactive with your classes. Making sure you are prepared and know what you need to do to stay ahead and actively participating in online classes.

1. Hold Yourself Accountable
• Starting the semester with a course being taken in the classroom to the sudden and abrupt change to remote learning might be difficult for some. Students might have an easier time learning in a classroom environment rather than in an online course. Checking in with yourself regularly is something that is going to be beneficial. Not checking in as in asking yourself how you are doing, but rather look at your courses and see what you are needing to do. If you struggle with accountability, try to find a classmate that you can talk to about course assignments and what you both can help each other to accomplish.
2. Learning Environment
• Learning information and being taught can become a struggle if you are in an environment that might not be suitable for learning. Doing your assignments in bed or on the couch is not a positive solution to have a good learning environment. Working in bed can affect your sleeping patterns, as well as your body’s physical shape and comfort. Sitting at a desk or table without any distractions is your ideal learning environment. Go outside and find a nice spot to sit and do work while also getting fresh air and some rays.
3. Actively Be Engaged
• Engaging in the discussion for online courses and actively participating as well is what will help you more than anything! Allowing yourself to seek a better understanding within the discussion will benefit you and also your professor, letting them know that you understand what’s going on. Be more thorough in discussion posts to help yourself and others engage and learn with each other. And especially don’t be afraid to reach out or speak up if you feel as if you are falling behind. Waiting until the assignment is almost due or the middle of the night before to ask questions is not going to benefit you. Seek answers ahead of time and allow yourself time to complete your work.
4. Utilize Your Resources
• A lot of the resources on Emporia State’s campus have adjusted their hours and created virtual tutoring or assistance for students that are needing help. You may feel like you are alone in some cases when it comes to online classes. However, you have plenty of turns to go to if needed! Professors and instructors should be encouraging you to work with your peers to accomplish certain tasks.
5. Treat Classes like They’re a Job
• While sometimes it may seem like online work could be easy, you don’t want to sell yourself shorter than what you need. Professors are supplying you with the same content they would be if you were to be in a classroom setting. Creating a plan on how much you want to study, what assignments you want to accomplish, or what lectures you want to watch within a day is something that could benefit you more than you think. Creating the routine of remote learning is what could set you up for success during this time of confusion.
6. Stay Healthy
• You are working your brain hard with your courses, and you should have time to relax the same as well. Allotting yourself a minimum of 7 hours of sleep per night, eating right, and overall self-care that you can provide yourself. Stress can break down a body’s immune system and keeping yourself healthy, mentally and physically, is very important when it comes to learning habits and overall well-being.
7. Checkout
• Whenever you are going into a virtual lecture or even a recorded lecture, you may be more inclined to check out from what’s in front of you. With your computer screen being your only access to online content, it may be difficult to resist the inclination to answer that vibration. Stay present with what is going on, it is easy to lost track of time when you are scrolling through your social media. Those five minutes you are checked out could be the five minutes of information regarding that huge project that is due next week... that you haven’t started yet.
8. Take Breaks
• Staring at a computer screen can start to make your head hurt and lose interest more quickly after doing it for a long period of time. Every hour or so allow yourself to take a few minutes to take a break, stretch it out or even go for a short walk. Those few minutes you allow your brain to relax and get motivated again could make classwork and lectures much easier to follow!

Those are just a few of the tips we have for you today, there are plenty of other things you can do as well to help you during this time. Things might be stressful for the time being, but you can accomplish whatever you put your mind to. Staying strong and finishing this semester out strong to come back and be ready again in the fall! As always, if you are having issues or have questions regarding online services, please contact the IT Help Desk.

Dakota Taylor
Social Media Student Assistant
Web & Digital Strategies

Web Presence Update!

As the Fall semester is in full-go, I am sure many of those here at Emporia State are wondering... What is going on with the websites? Luckily, we provide a web page, Web Presence Projects, that provides information on Hornet 365 and our public website. Examples of information provided are timelines, future enhancements, progress pages, and much more. We're very excited that Hornet 365 had a successful launch, and we are excited to launch the public website!

Don't forget to provide any feedback on our website by using this form. This helps us determine what you all want and helps us fix any bugs/issues. Good luck this semester, pay attention to the coming changes to Emporia State's web presence, and Stingers Up!

Sam Derksen
Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

A New Way to Experience Campus

Building Maps & Locations

Since this summer, we have been mapping out buildings on campus to further provide directions for students, faculty, staff and visitors. You can find them right now on Hornet 365 —Virtual Campus Explorer.

On Virtual Campus Explorer, you can select Buildings and Locations from the drop down. This will display a list of all the buildings on campus.

These maps have numbered rooms, and are color coded which indicates what type of room it is. This makes it much easier for you to find the room(s) that you are looking for.

Also, you can find these maps that we have created on our interactive digital signs called Hornet TV. They all provide the campus map, parking maps, and the map of every floor in which the digital sign is stationed in.

Kaleb Barber

Student Web Developer

Web and Digital Strategies

The NEW Newsstand!

Newsstand, Hornet 365's digital publications hub, has gone through some serious updates since last mentioned! We now host 9 publications on Newsstand, and it is growing fast! Two of our newest publication additions have been the Hornet Connect Program Guide and the Student Technology Guide. Everyone has the option to flip through the publication on the website itself, or choose to download the publication as a PDF. We have also simplified the process to be showcased on Newsstand by adding a submission form.

Interested in reading publications that Emporia State University departments, student groups, and faculty have to offer? Do you have a publication to share with the rest of campus? Check out Newsstand on Hornet 365!


Sam Derksen
Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

New Hornet 365

A couple weeks ago we unveiled our most up-to-date version of Hornet 365. The latest version includes upgrades to accessibility, loading speeds, and even more helpful 'tiles' for each page. Every day we work on adding more content to create an even better University Portal. The feedback we have received for Hornet 365 has been helpful with a lot of great suggestions that we've been able to immediately add to the site. We thrive on the feedback because that is our best way to satisfy our audience, you. Within the first seven days of launch, Hornet 365 had over 10,000 pageviews! This is great to see as this University Portal will be the easiest way to find any online service that the university provides. We're very happy with the results thus far, but we are always looking to improve our services. Head over to hornet.emporia.edu to check it out and leave feedback!


Sam Derksen
Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies

Accessibility Extensions

Emporia State University recently acquired updated versions of 'Read & Write' and 'EquatIO' software. Both of these are accessibility extensions compatible with Google Chrome that can help you with everyday tasks. 'Read & Write' can help you understand web pages better as it reads it aloud to you. This gives you an opportunity to actively listen and take notes if you'd like. 'EquatIO' is a tool that will help you convert your own handwriting to math equations on your computer. This is extremely helpful when writing out math equations on your computer. Faculty and students can download this extension, free, by selecting this link and following the instructions on the page. All-in-all, we hope that these two new tools will help everyone with your learning process!

Link to download.

Sam Derksen
Web Developer
Web and Digital Strategies